GULF SHORES, Ala. – The William Carey softball team wrapped up its final day at the Gulf Coast Invitational on Sunday, falling in two close matchups: a 1–0 loss to Campbellsville and a 4–1 defeat against Saint Xavier.
Campbellsville 1, William Carey 0
In a tightly contested defensive showdown, Campbellsville edged William Carey with the game's lone run in the fourth inning.
Both teams started quietly. Campbellsville opened with a single in the top of the first but couldn't capitalize, while Carey threatened in the bottom half with back-to-back singles from
Brooklynn Montana and
Caroline Lindsey, only for the Tigers to escape the inning unscathed.
Pitching controlled the early frames as Campbellsville was retired in order in both the second and third innings, and WCU managed just two baserunners over the same stretch.
The breakthrough came in the fourth when Lydia Jones doubled to left and later scored on a two-out single from Jessie Daniels, giving Campbellsville the only run it would need.
Carey continued to apply pressure late. In the fifth,
Julia Shaw led off with a single, and pinch runner
Kate Degruise advanced to third before Campbellsville worked out of the jam. The Lady Crusaders threatened again in the sixth as
Jayden Sawyer doubled and moved to third on a passed ball, but consecutive pop-ups ended the rally. Campbellsville then retired Carey in order in the seventh to secure the win.
Saint Xavier 4, William Carey 1
William Carey struck first in the second game after
Liz Cross drew a leadoff walk and Montana singled to put two aboard. A sacrifice bunt moved both runners into scoring position before Sawyer delivered an RBI single to right, scoring Cross for a 1–0 lead. Montana also attempted to score but was thrown out at the plate.
Saint Xavier responded in the third. With two runners aboard after a hit-by-pitch and fielder's choice, the Cougars loaded the bases with a single from Aubrey Wroble. Jazmyn Casas followed with a two-run double to center, putting SXU in front 2–1. Carey limited the damage by stranding two more runners to end the inning.
The game remained tight until the bottom of the sixth, when Saint Xavier added two insurance runs. Casas singled and gave way to pinch-runner Alex Tarala, who advanced to third on a bunt and defensive miscue. With two outs, Mallory O'Connor doubled to left, driving in both runners to stretch the lead to 4–1. Carey managed one baserunner in the seventh but could not mount a comeback.
Carey returns to action on Friday, March 13, traveling to Mount Vernon, Ga., for a conference matchup against Brewton-Parker College. First pitch is scheduled for 1:00 p.m.
